doing surprisingly well today! The legs have been stiff as a board due to cold weather, I think. I'm trying to work out at least 30 min daily now, so I pay later in the day, but it's worth it if, combined with me eating sensibly, I lose some weight before Hawaii.
I am having more difficulty getting out of the bathtub...ours is a higher than normal tub, so when I bend my legs to get out my hamstrings go into one of those screaming spasms/cramps that don't let go for a few minutes. My DH suggested we get a transfer seat...I might have to look into it.
Hope all the hugs have let up...it's nice to be hugged, but not by the MonSter...

Doing a bit better. Back and ribs are still hurting , but the pain does not get to the point that I feel like I am being crushed until later in the evening. Stiffness in my leg seems to be easing a bit too. Thinking about adding a 3rd neurontin in the afternoon. Or I may wait until I see my neuro next Thursday.

Goodness Barb...I didn't seem to get much relief from gabapentin (neurontin). just side effects. Hope it works better for you...

Debbie, I was on the max dosage back in 2009 (2700 mg) and it was not helping anymore. I just started taking it again when this flair hit and I am only taking 600 mg. So either it is helping now or I am just improving on my own. Hard to know

Hello Everyone,

Have been putting everything I've got into coping lately; although have been visiting the board from time to time. Even had someone come and stay with me for a week to help out; which is a first for me. He was very helpful and got my yard/house straightened up in preparation for spring before he left. As he was using my computer, I had disabled all automatic log-ins to protect my privacy.

Sally, Doydie, Judy2, Erin, KittyLady and everyone else who have been having problems with this stupid disease as well as the underhanded tosses that life has thrown you, I am so sorry to read of your struggles. You are all in my prayers for relief and I wish that you'll all get through your rough patches soon .
My goodness we do seem to have all been dealt some pretty rough times this last few weeks. May spring bring us all much easier times .

I am having surgery on Thursday to remove a cyst that was found in the thoracic spine with the hope that it may bring relief to the severe HUG symptoms and possibly the cardio problems that I've been experiencing as well. It sounds a lot worse than it is, as I have been assured that the cyst is benign, is well contained and can be removed in its entirety without disturbing the dura or spinal cord; although it may be pressing on it.

Apparently a problem with the pituitary is likely causing the left ventricular failure though; as it is showing hyperintense signal on MRI and decreased function on testing. That seems to be causing a cascade effect on other hormone glands; especially of the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenals.
I find it so strange that I had problems like this with the pituitary function when I was 11-15 years old...and now, here it is again .

Will keep you posted.

Hang in there everyone.
For certain we're a tough bunch of folks but so rare is it to find that the tender, compassionate heart has not only been maintained, but has been expanded in such difficult circumstances.
I thank you all for being here and for this forum.

With love, Erika

Erika, I sure do hope things improve for you. You've had more than your fair share of issues.

I've been having "female issues" and will be having a hysterectomy on April 16th. I can't wait!! I'm just so done with all these problems and I'm hoping I can enjoy my son's wedding even more if I'm feeling better.

My doctor has recommended the da Vinci robotic surgery and what I've learned about it is amazing. Here's a website that explains it:

http://www.davincihysterectomy.com/

I wish my doctor could remove my MS while he's in there!

Erika, first of all, thank you so much for your prayers
and thoughts for us, when you are suffering yourself.
You are also in my daily prayers, and I sure hope the
Lord hears them and grants you some relief.

Good luck with your operation. A cyst is always better
out than in, so getter out.. and feel better soon.

Kitty, good luck with your operation as well and I
hope the result is a happy body and a happy healthier
Kelly. You are also in my daily thoughts and prayers.

Hey, I'm good, just a little down, after saying goodbye
to my loving little Pal and then, having to give my
little Cinderpaw back....waaaaaaaaaaaaa

My health is better and my MS is standing still, at
the moment, so I have notta to complain about.

Every body be well and happy. That is my wish
and prayers for you all

Very best wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery Kitty...and thank you to all those who continue to develop new technologies like the robotic surgery tools. They'll be using something similar to get that cyst out for me.

Aw Sally, I so feel for you missing your pets. I had to give up Willy the dog for a while as I could not walk him regularly, or even play ball with him so he could get his execise. It was best for him to be with his dog sitter/trainer, but I missed him here at home deeply...and I knew that it was only temporary. Now along with him spending some time at the dog sitters, I can play ball with him and I have someone who will walk him for me when I can't (stupid heart & spastic leg/HUG things).

I'm so sorry that allergies may prevent you from having a furry friend.
Here's a thought though. A friend ran into similar problems after several years of having two cats in her home. Along with not letting the cats into her bedroom, she purchased one of those automatic sweeper things and she has been much better since. Might be worth a try. Apparently they are only around $40.00 at Wal-mart.

With love, Erika

ANNagain,
sorry for my user name but maybe if i tell you the brief story it will help.
when i was a little girl my mom used to read me a book called Nurse Nancy.
it even had real bandaids in it.

so i grew up to be a real nurse (for 40 yrs) and when i had to pick a user name that's what came to mind. i even have the real book from the 1950's.

i had my thyroid biopsy today which went well. results next tues.
now i need to set up a back injection for worsening pain.
then the cardiac ablation.

but thank goodness my MS is stable. shhhhh.

Wow...haven't been on for awhile...

Erika prayers continue for you

Judy, sheesh, you've got a lot going on...hope your injection helps your pain...let us know how things are going

In Hawaii for a second week. Neuro thought adding baclofen and the warmer weather would east the spasticity in my legs, but they've been bad most days. So we just put up with it, do as much stretching as I can, and swimming when the pool isn't full of spring breakers.